Keys to the game, players to watch and a prediction for Saturday’s Louisville-Boston College game:

Offensive keys

1. Keep improving: These are Louisville’s total offense numbers in the first six games of the season: 268, 363, 292, 214, 421, 483. The Cardinals seem to think they’ve turned a corner in the past couple of weeks, and if they keep up that trajectory, they’ll have a chance to put up points in the second half of the season. Jaylen Smith made a thoughtful comment Tuesday about making incremental improvements and not trying to hit the “five-run home run” and get it all back at once. The output will come with time.

2. Hold onto the ball: Everything went wrong last week against Georgia Tech, but an overlooked issue was the turnovers. Louisville gave away the ball three times, twice on fumbles. Defense notwithstanding, the Cards can’t expect to beat too many teams by losing the turnover battle 3-0.

3. Find space: Freshman Tutu Atwell said Tuesday he saw “slow people” on Boston College’s defense. That was probably an unwise shot at a two-touchdown favorite, but Atwell was correct that Louisville has more team speed than its opponent. The challenge will be blocking well enough to get the speedsters open and putting the ball in their hands in useful situations.

Defensive keys

1. Mind the play action: After floundering last week in a game where it was difficult to tell who had the ball, Louisville’s defense follows with a game where it’s going to be difficult to tell who has the ball. Boston College uses its power run game to set up the play-action pass, and its offense relies on baiting the defense with one and dropping the hammer with the other. The first, simple task for Louisville: Make sure all 11 guys know where the ball is.

2. Be aware of tempo: Boston College’s offense has evolved into an unusual attack that uses old-school concepts such as double-tight end sets and the quarterback under center but still runs at a fast pace. Louisville had no answers for that scheme last season and gave up 45 points in a loss. The Cards must be more prepared for the Eagles’ no-huddle blitz. That means being ready quickly with any substitutions, especially on the defensive line.

3. Wrap up the ball carrier: Louisville missed dozens of tackles last season, allowing Boston College running back AJ Dillon to roll to career highs in carries (39), yards (272) and touchdowns (four). The Cards struggled to tackle against Georgia Tech. If they can’t slow down the ball carrier, they’ll be no match for Boston College.

Players to watch

AJ Dillon: Coach Steve Addazio has kept under wraps whether he will play his star back — and, entering the season, Heisman dark horse. Dillon injured his ankle Sept. 29 against Temple and did not play last week against NC State. Addazio said Wednesday that Dillon will be a game-time decision, that he appeared unlikely to play earlier in the week but had progressed well. If he’s able to go, he’s a complete game changer.

AJ Dillon breaks a tackle during a game against Wake Forest.(Photo: The Associated Press)

Zach Allen: Allen is the latest in a long line of strong Boston College pass rushers. He did Louisville no favors when he announced last winter he would return for his final season. He now leads the Eagles in tackles for loss with eight on the year. Wyatt Ray, who has a team-high 5.5 sacks, is another handful at the other defensive end spot.

Zach Allen in a 2017 game.(Photo: USA TODAY)

Prediction: Boston College 45, Louisville 27

…if Dillon plays. Boston College 31, Louisville 24, if he doesn’t. The Eagles’ offense depends on Dillon, though they put together a decent rally from down 28-3 in the third quarter last week. Addazio’s team will play smashmouth football, whoever is at running back. That’s a tough assignment for Louisville’s defense after a demoralizing loss. Boston College is the better team this year, so the Cards’ woes will continue.